The 2017 Kia Sorento: Safety & Space

Crossovers are often marketed as being some kind of a mutant hybrid between a SUV/minivan – with emphasis on the minivan. Such is not the case with the 2017 Kia Sorento. The Sorento defies all categories and can only be described as the ultimate road trip vehicle.

For 2017, the Kia Sorento has kept with its previous redesign with fresh sheet metal, larger dimensions and new mechanical underpinnings. It’s available in five- and seven-passenger configurations as well as five trim levels: L, LX, EX, SX and SX Limited.

Under the hood you’ll find a range of engines including a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 240 hp. Also available are the 185 hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 290 hp 3.3-liter V6. All engine options come bolted to a 6-speed shiftable automatic, with the option of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Mileage is up to 21 city and 28 highway depending on the vehicle configuration.

Underneath, you’ll also find a finely tuned suspension, making the Sorento nimble on back roads and easy to drive in the city. In other words, this isn’t some warmed over family wagon – it’s a genuine driving machine.

Kia is known for being generous with standard features, so it comes as no surprise that the 2017 Sorento offers a slew of convenience features. Highlights including smart welcome – activated by a smart key – that turns on interior and door handle lights and unfolds power mirrors, smart power lift gate with automatic close, third row A/C adjustment, foldable second and third row seats, a center console with hidden storage compartment, second row sun shades and a heated steering wheel.

Inside, the Sorento has optional Nappa Leather Trim, power adjustable seats and multi-folding seat options, so you can haul the kids one day and a cargo area full of 2x4s the next. Of course, everyone will love the panoramic sunroof with power sunshade.

Cabin space has been greatly increased from the previous model years with the second row gaining a half inch of legroom, and cargo capacity behind the third row growing by 11 cubic feet for the 2017 Sorento. Overall, there’s a generous 38.8-cubic-foot cargo bay behind the second-row seats, with a maximum capacity of 73.5-cubic-feet when you fold down the second row.

When it comes to safety, never fear, the 2017 Sorento has all of the latest safety features to keep the whole family safe. These include: forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, rear park assist, blind spot detection with lane change assist, auto dimming rear view mirror, lane departure warning, antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags and front- and second-row side curtain airbags. Combine these features with a fundamentally stronger base featuring advanced high-strength steel and this is one of the safest CUVs on the road today. The 2017 Kia Sorento received a Top Safety Pick + from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

With the Sorento, Kia proves you don’t have to compromise. It handles well, has plenty of power, is economical, spacious and safe for the whole family. There’s only one way to define such a vehicle: perfection.